DEF CON is generally in the last week of July or first week of August in Las Vegas. DEF CON 20 will be held July 26-29, 2012 at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Many people arrive a day early, and many stay a day later. Again this year we will have some things running on Thursday.

$200.00 USD, Cash for all four days. Everyone pays the same: The government, the media,
the ‘well known hackers’, the unknown script kiddies. The only discount
is for Goons and speakers, who get to work without paying for the
privilege. We only accept cash - no checks, no money orders, no
travelers checks. We don't want to be a target of any State or Federal
fishing expeditions.

Can I pre-register for DEF CON?

No.

How many people will be there?

Last year we exceeded our expectations, and there were between 11,000 and 12,000 attendees. This year we hope even more people show up to celebrate our 20th anniversary, with big name music, special speakers, special events, extra support for official contests, 20 teams competing in CTF, and secret surprises we don't want to give away yet! We don't know why everyone wouldn't want to be there!

Try the Ride and Room sharing threads on the Forums.
You may also want to visit your Local DEF CON Groups meeting and see who
you might want to bunk up with. It's important to mention you should use
good judgment when sharing a room and consider who is sleeping next to
you and who has access to your belongings. That said, there are a lot of
great people looking to save a buck or pinch a penny, good luck.

How much is internet access in the rooms of the Rio?

$13.95 for 24 hours. Internet access is
available for free in the convention area.

Is there a free network at DEF CON?

Why yes, DEF CON 20 is FULLY network-enabled. Now that we've perfected the art of a stable hacker con network, we're ascending to a higher level - we're providing you a network that you feel SAFE in using! Since DEF CON 18 we're WPA2 encrypted over-the-air, with a direct trunk out to the Internet. No peer-to-peer, no sniffing, just straight to the net (and internal servers). We'll provide login credentials at Registration. We know the 3G airwaves will be saturated so we're putting our own cred on the line to give you a net that even we would put our own mobile phones on.

If you're feeling frisky, we'll still have the traditional "open" network for you - bring your laptop (we'd recommend a clean OS, fully patched--you know the procedure) because we don't police what happens on that net. Share & enjoy!

Will the Rio allow free parking?

Yes. You will be able to park for free regardless if you have a room
at the Rio.

What about the smoking policy?

Due to the Clean Air Act in Las Vegas, the
Vendor Area, Speaking rooms, and Hallways will be completely non-smoking in order to comply with the law. The Hotel will have
designated smoking areas clearly posted. There is a discussion about it
on the DEF CON Forums here: https://forum.defcon.org/showthread.php?t=8200 Any news and info will likely be posted there.

What is the age limit?

People have brought children to DEF CON - it is not recommended to do
this unless you are going to constantly supervise them. It is generally
an ‘adult’ atmosphere (language, booze, et cetera). If you've never been
to DEF CON, you may want to refrain from bringing your children (unless
they are demanding that you bring them). While there are no age limits,
we have consistently cooperated with parents and/or private
investigators who are looking for children that ‘ran away from home’ to
go to DEF CON. You must be 18 years of age or older to reserve a hotel
room and to check-in. A valid ID is required upon check-in.
DEF CON 20 will have enforcement of the 21 or older rule in certain
"private" parties with possible bouncers at the doors checking IDs. This
is generally the rule in all areas where alcohol is being served.
However, DEF CON does not take responsibility for anything potentially
indecent or offensive your minor may witness or participate in. The
underage attendee is the responsibility of his or her guardian or
themselves.
The presentations are open to all ages.
Observation of contests as they take place on the contest floor is open
to all ages.
Competition in some contests may have age restrictions due to laws.
There is plenty fun to be had without booze and gambling! There is a
discussion regarding fun for those under 21 on the forums.
https://forum.defcon.org/showthread.php?t=8232

I want to speak, how do I give a talk?

GREAT! We are looking for and give preference to: unique research,
new tool releases, Ø-day attacks (with responsible disclosure), highly
technical material, social commentaries, and ground breaking material of
any kind. Want to screen a new hacking documentary or release research?
Consider DEF CON.
To submit a speech, read the Announcement and complete the DEF CON 20 Call for Papers
Form: https://www.defcon.org/html/defcon-20/dc-20-cfp-form.html CFP forms and questions should get mailed to: talks/at/defcon.org

When does the CFP Close? Can I get an Extension?

DEF CON 20 Call For Papers will close on May 28, 2012.

How can I help or participate?

DEF CON is not a spectator sport! Before the con, during, and after
there are chances for you to get involved. Below is a list of this
years contests and events. This list may not be complete so check the
forums to see what people are up to.
Go to the forums for more info on Contests and Events:
https://forum.defcon.org/forumdisplay.php?f=616

How do I become a Vendor?

The Vendor area applications will open April 15, 2012. Stay tuned for the announcement!
If you want a space in our vendor area, you need to apply. Because of
limited space and our attempt to have a diversity of vendors, you may
not be able to get a booth. It is wise to think of staffing issues - if
you are one person do you want to spend your entire time behind a
vendors booth?

I'm press, how do I sign up, why can't I get in for free (I'm just
doing my job)?

Please email press[at]defcon[dot]org if you wish press credentials.
Lots of people come to DEF CON and are doing their job; security
professionals, federal agents, and the press. It wouldn't be fair to
DEF CON attendees if we exempted one group from paying. If you are a
major network and plan on doing a two minute piece showing all the
people with blue hair, you probably shouldn't bother applying for a
press pass - you won't get one. If you are a security writer or from a
real publication please submit, and someone will respond with an answer.

What should I bring to DEF CON?

It depends on what you're going to do at DEF CON. This is discussed in
quite some depth on the unofficial DC FAQ, as well as a thread in the DC Forums. You may want to
bring fancy (or outrageously silly) clothes for the Black and White
Balls, annual Friday and Saturday night events where everyone shows off nifty
attire. SWAG is Always recommended, people LOVE to trade! You never
know when or where a t-shirt with your .org will come in handy.
Government SWAG is a hot commodity, however, DT wishes to pillage those
goods first!
Its generally a good idea if you are a pale geek to have some
sunscreen at the top of your list. Other honorable mentions are: Blister
preventions, Band-aids, Gel shoe inserts, Personal cooling devices, Pain
relievers and antacids, Bottle openers, Personal voice recorders, water
filters, and last but not least an Alibi.

This FAQ didn't answer my questions, or was unclear, how can I get
further information?